Consumer price index rises as expected

Washington -- The Consumer Price Index came in as expected at 0.3 percent for March, the U.S. Labor Department reported Wednesday.

Energy prices rose 1.9 percent in March after a February drop of 0.5 percent, the report said.

Food prices increased 0.2 percent for the month, after a 0.4 percent rise in February.

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, unchanged in February, rose 0.2 in March.

Medical prices have increased 0.1 percent for two months running. Apparel prices have declined for two months -- 0.3 percent in February and 1.3 percent
in March.

Transportation prices rose 0.7 percent in March, while recreation and education costs rose 0.3 percent, the report said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.